Pre-match 'dissent' - Last weeks ref

[Justylove]

In our county, we got a note a couple of seasons ago from county FA telling us that for anything below a certain level, we should allow players to tape wedding rings if they could demonstrate that they could not remove them. All other jewellery was to be removed.

Once you go up to a better standard, however, it remains a big "no-no"

 

[lincs22]

Out of interest, Sunday league game, both teams turn up. One red, one blue shirts. But both have black shorts and socks and no different to change into. What you doing?

Depends what the league rules says - do they specify only shirts must not clash. If they specify socks must be different - play match and report team which should have changed. Just done in York - both teams had only red socks = £20 for the league. THANKS

 

[CapeTownRef]

Yeah that's just stupid and has no basis in the lotg at all

The amateur game here in South Africa is considered to be the "black man's game" (a term that I abhor) but non-whites represent 91% of the population. The white minority (9%) are rugby and football mad but their football allegiance is almost totally towards the top six in the English Premier League. Almost all the major named brands (Adidas, Nike, Reebok etc.,) are imported from outside South Africa and the import duties are horrendous. So an amateur club pay a lot more for their kit. Sponsorship is almost non-existent and tends to rely on a small business owner contributing towards the cost of playing kit and other items such as training items and balls. Referee fees are non-existent and we have to cover all our own costs. Despite all of this I love to referee here. That is why I was so flabbergasted at the ref who refused to let a player play unless he changed his underwear!!

 

[SurreySuperRef]

Best way to approach this is to be diplomatic. Explain to the players that you're not trying to be a hard a**, but you're just trying to follow the laws of the game to ensure player safety. Tell them that if a player does get injured, it's on your head and you're the one who pays the price (which is true).

Once most players realise you're not trying to be pedantic and you're ensuring their safety, they're usually happy to comply.

If they still refuse to remove it after you've asked, then you can be a bit stricter and reach for the cards.

 

[ASM]